Tainted Ocean

Chapter 4 - Clean me
Roxas POV

"Aren't you going to ask me any questions?" I said, a bit more roughly then I meant to. Namine's eyes widened momentarily, and I winced at the sudden guilt that ran through me. I was so used to being around a people who were a bit...I don't know, ruder? Rougher? I guess it was hard to stop those sort of things.

"N-No! I figured it would be better to wait until you're completely recovered."

The day before, the retching had started. And hadn't stopped. I had thrown up into a large soup pot until I didn't have anything else inside me - and even then, the dry heaves continued for another couple minutes. After that, I had been too weak to do much except sleep. I couldn't even keep water down. I could tell by her expression (when I was conscious enough to actually register) - that I wasn't getting any better. The physical bruises and scrapes were healing, but no matter what she did, my fever fluctuated regularly.

I wasn't a doctor. I had no idea what was wrong with me. This was the first day my fever had stayed at a moderately low level, and I was itching to walk around.

I wonder if the guys are looking for me...I was struck rather deeply with that question. Of course they are. I haven't seen any of them since the fight.

"Though," Namine had continued. "could I ask why you don't want to go to the hospital?"

My voice hadn't cleared, but we had both gotten used to it's common raspy-sound by now. "I don't exactly have the best past with the authorities. Once they checked my records...well, let's just say that I wouldn't be a patient anymore. Most likely be taken to jail."

Namine's eyes widened, but she didn't say anything. Soon she went to finish her chores, and I was left to my own thoughts. I wanted to at least call Axel - let him know I wasn't in the cooler. Or worse. It's not like they could call up the police and see if I'd been arrested, which must be what they were assuming.

Thinking about how Axel would pummel me once I returned only made my headache worsen, so I steered my thoughts towards my depleting health.

Food-wise, I hadn't chanced anything else today. I usually felt fine when Namine was talking with me, but as soon as it was quiet, it was like my head was on fire. The pain always started by my eyes, working it's way through my mind.

I bit the inside of my lip, sitting up in the bed. I looked to the left, where the blinds of the window had been pulled up. I blinked, leaning on the sill as I saw Namine walking just outside with a watering can.

"This is your garden?" I asked, eyes widening as they raked over the bright flowers. It was a wonder I hadn't noticed them before.

Namine looked up in surprise, but a tender smile graced her lips as she looked over her small patch of soil. "It's my flower garden. I've started growing some vegetables in the back, but the sun is best here for flowers..."

I decided to continue watching Namine as she tended to the small garden to the side of my window. She didn't seem to mind me, and for some reason I found it extremely enjoyable to listen to her hum a vaguely familiar tune to herself.

Closing my eyes; I leaned on the sill heavily. The wind felt heavenly on my exhausted skin, and I let it wash over me like water.

"What are you humming?" I breathed, not opening my eyes.

"Uh...'Sleeper's Awake' by Bach. My father gave me a CD with it on it. I've always liked it."

I nodded sleepily, burrowing my head deeper within my arm. "Don't stop." I muttered; barely audible. But I figured she heard me, and a second later, she began humming again.

Speaking of water...

"Roxas - did you want to take a shower today?" Namine asked me as she tipped her can over a small flower; it's white blossoms being sprinkled with droplets. I hesitated, then gave my consent. A shower would feel good.

I let her turn on the water for me, and she adjusted it so it wasn't too hot.

"Sorry I don't have any other shampoo. Tell me if you need any help or anything." Namine reminded me as she carried my bundle of clothes under one arm out of the room, closing the door behind her. She was going to wash them while I was in the shower; it felt different to have someone else's towel around my waist.

I left the towel on a hook, and drew aside the shower curtain before stepping in. I jumped a little as the warm spray splashed against me, but I moved directly under the nozzle anyway. I shivered slightly, tipping my head so it hit my face. After letting the water wash away the layer of grime I only seemed to feel, I picked up the indicated shampoo bottle.

"Fruit Extracts - Revitalizing Shampoo - With Pomegranate, Lychee, and Apricot. 'Renews shine and adds moisture for all hair types'. Hm." I read aloud, examining the bottle before squirting some into my palm. It was pink.

I sighed, hesitantly rubbing it into my soaked mop of hair. Finally I shrugged, and scrubbed my hair vigorously. I thoroughly rinsed the foam out of my limp spikes; unsure how much water to use, I soon stepped out of the shower. Goosebumps arose on my skin as I started drying myself with the towel. I was rubbing my arms and chest when Namine knocked on the door quietly. I hastily covered myself with the towel...though it wasn't like she could see through the door or anything. I made sure the towel was firmly held up before I called to her.

"Um - your clothes are clean." Her voice was even softer through the wood, and I twisted the handle accordingly. Her face was once again pink, and she thrust the clothes into my arms before turning away.

"Thank you." I smiled at the back of her head, and her step faltered. She looked at me, smiled, then continued down the hallway. I had just closed the door when I heard a crash. I poked my head out into the hallway; Namine was carefully picking up the small shards of glass off the floor. Her hair was falling to the side, but I could still spot the red of her cheeks.

"I, uh, bumped into the table." She said quickly, setting the broken frame back on the table. Muttering something about getting the vacuum, she hastily backed off around the corner. Scratching my chin, I simply shrugged and went back to finish drying off.

I closed the door, sifting through my now clean clothes. They faintly smelled of her - like the minty leaves she was always picking from her garden. I fingered the material, and pulled the familiar black shirt over my head. It felt clean and warm - like it had just been taken out of it's drying spot in the sunshine. I quickly pulled my boxers and black and beige pants on; and silently thanked Namine for getting a toothbrush for me to use. I waited until I heard the vacuum being put away, and her footsteps quietly retreat, before using the toilet myself.

I then padded my way out into the hallway.

I stopped to look at the picture that's glass frame had been broken. It was of Namine, natch, sitting on the bench on the front porch. There was a boy beside her, also smiling into the camera. I blinked; the chocolate-brown spikes of his hair momentarily bringing the feeling of recognition to the front. The boy had similar features as myself - blue eyes, though his were wider and more innocent looking. Same straight nose... heck, even our ears stuck out the same away!

I put the picture back, weird emotions making my knees feel weak. Though that may also be because of the fever. Who was that guy? He had looked close to Namine, but not quite...intimate. Family, maybe? And why did he look so familiar...?

The more I thought about it, the farther the answer retreated into the back of my mind. I groaned quietly as a sharp pain knocked against my temples, and started off to find Namine. Maybe some aspirin would help.

I found her in the kitchen, chopping her way through numerous vegetables. The radio sitting on the counter was on, and classical music was playing quietly. When she glanced at me, she shook her head in disbelief. I watched her with confusion as she disappeared around the corner only for a few moments, then returning with another towel.

"You have to make sure you dry your hair - especially if you're sick."

My hand twitched towards her, but she held the soft blue material out of my reach. "You should just rest."

I sighed, not having enough energy to argue. I sat at the table, and she stood in front of me with the towel. A smile flickered across Namine's feminine features, and she slowly towel-dried my hair. I could feel her fingers through the material, so precise and gentle against my scalp. I let my eyes close, and felt myself becoming tired; only opening them when she stopped, pulling the towel away.

"I smell like you now." I said suddenly, catching a whiff of my hair as a breeze passed through an open window; sending the fruity scent past my face.

"Eh? You mean my shampoo?" Namine's nose wrinkled - it looked pretty comical on her, actually - "I've been using it forever. Sorry that it's so...you know, girly."

I grinned, and sat at the small table. "Well, I have to admit; I like it more on you." I admitted. I didn't catch her sudden blush, but by the silence that followed my statement, I knew she was probably resembling a tomato as she turned back to her vegetables.

Man. Roxas in the shower. -gulps-
I want to see some fanart like THAT O_O
This chapter was so fluff-like D= Eek! Maybe Roxas will talk with Axel next chapter. You'll see ;D

Next update: Wednesday